The research was undertaken, in part, thanks to funding from the Canada Research Chairs program (support for Dr. Brisson). We thank Rebecca Tremblay for statistical support and Dr. Myron Levin for valuable comments on the interpretation of results and on the manuscript. Finally, we would like to thank POLYMOD and Dr. W. John Edmunds for providing us with social mixing data.
PD-0332991 mouse “
“Informed consumers are in a better position to make decisions about their health and well-being. Appropriate preventative health behaviours are dependent on one’s understanding of the behaviour [1]. Unfortunately, in the case of HPV vaccination, decisions are often made without adequate information [2]. Various studies have documented low HPV knowledge levels of both girls and adults across different populations [3], [4], [5] and [6]; even women diagnosed with HPV have low levels of comprehension [7] and [8]. However, most of these studies were conducted before the HPV vaccine was widely advertised and available. One study, conducted after publicity about the vaccine
by manufacturers in the US, showed that awareness had increased, but knowledge and understanding had not improved [9]. Prophylactic vaccination against HPV types 16, 18, 6, 11 (GARDASIL®) is now funded by the Australian government for Australian girls through school-based delivery. Since school-based vaccination is the method most likely to reach the highest percentage of adolescents [10], it is gaining popularity. Indeed, in the Australian HPV school program to date, rates of around 75% have been documented [11]. However, selleck chemicals there are no published studies that fully Cediranib (AZD2171) explore and examine knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccine
post-implementation of mass HPV vaccination in schools. It is important to document vaccine recipients’ knowledge of HPV-related information as it may impact upon girls’ future health behaviours. Knowledge about the implications of vaccination may influence adolescents’ sexual behaviour, use of protective measures against other STIs, and future attendance at cervical screening. There is also an ethical responsibility to ensure that individuals are making a decision about vaccination with adequate understanding. Australia’s National HPV Vaccination Program was implemented rapidly following its announcement on 29 November 2006, with commencement of school-based vaccination in April 2007. This created logistical challenges, including development of educational resources. Vaccine manufacturer materials were utilized by health professionals until other materials became available [12]. The Australian Department of Health and Ageing developed a communication strategy and materials for the national program, including a (now defunct) website with downloadable information brochures for parents, young women and health professionals.